Just say no to Aztek airbrushes

I bought an Aztek for my first airursh, paid about 80 bucks for it at Hobby Lobby. 2 months later, I really really hate the thing. It doesn't spray consistantly, I never feel like I get it completely clean. It's not comfortable in my hand, and it seems to take tons of air pressure to push the paint. I just ordered a new Iwata from DixieArt, and I got it for 59 bucks, even with the hose, it was cheaper than the piece i picked up from Hobby Lobby. I am totally and completely dissatisfied with the Aztek and almost can't wait for my Revolution to get here. I broke one of my major rules when I got that thing, never ever ever buy anything major without researching it pretty extensively first. I'd have saved myself about $100 or more. I'm cheap and hate to waste money. I did the smart thing and picked up a compressor before the cost of air ate my lunch though. I picked the testors blue ice diaphram compressor pretty cheaply, and it works great. I want to get a pump and store compressor like the one I have at work though. Believe me though, I'll be researching it to death before I pick one up. Anyone have any suggestions?

madda

Yeah, Amen brother
As a bereaved Aztek jockey I can only say that you're preachin' to the choir here.
Mike, you seem to be somewhat of an airbrush guru. Can you tell me if there's any difference between the Omni 5000 and 4000 other than the size of the color cup?
I thought I would just plug along with my cheesy little plastic thingamabob thinking it was all in my head but I can't help but notice that the vast majority of those who are boasting about how much they love their airbrushes just don't seem to be Aztek owners..In other words, there seems to be a pattern developing here!
Thanks for your input.
Merlin

Jeez, guys, don't wanna start a fight here, but I love my Aztek 470. Once I figured out not to screw the needles in too tight and to adjust the compressor pressure for the medium being sprayed, it's been great to use and easy to clean up. Heck, I'm lazy, I just spray some laquer thinner through it after each use and drop the needle into a jar of laquer thinner afterward, then rinse and dry. I've never disassembled the gun or nozzles, and it gives consistent performance every time. And no, I don't work for Testors.
My wife, who'd never used a gun before, uses it herself when I'm not around and has always gotten good results, even when using it as a dual action brush.
Like somebody here said, the press all rave about it, and they get to play with all the cool stuff...
Maybe I'm just lucky - 'cause I know I'm no expert - but I'm really happy with mine.
Glenn

Oh, by the way, I've used my Aztek with acrylic paints, enamels, laquer paints and clear coats, Future, you name it...
Glenn

Well man, I'm glad that it's worked out for you. I really expected that it would for me, I went into it with no expectations whatsoever. I was just glad to have an airbrush, but after using it for a while, I really grew to dislike it. I'll still keep it as a backup or a second brush though.

madda

QUOTE: Originally posted by merlin V1650 Yeah, Amen brother As a bereaved Aztek jockey I can only say that you're preachin' to the choir here. Mike, you seem to be somewhat of an airbrush guru. Can you tell me if there's any difference between the Omni 5000 and 4000 other than the size of the color cup?

Merlin,

I'm glad you agree buddy. Haha

Airbrush guru? Me?
Thanks for the compliment my friend but I am just someone with some experience with these things and a willingness to try and help others if I can.

You are correct in that the only difference in the Omni 4000 and 5000 is indeed the size of the cup. The internal parts are identical. Are you going to buy one?

Mike

QUOTE: Originally posted by glheald Jeez, guys, don't wanna start a fight here, but I love my Aztek 470. Once I figured out not to screw the needles in too tight and to adjust the compressor pressure for the medium being sprayed, it's been great to use and easy to clean up.

Glenn,

Nobody is trying to start any fights here, we are just having a discussion about problems that many have with these airbrushes. I'm glad to hear that you are having success with your Aztek as that is what airbrushing is all about....having it work right.

Mike

Well, I grant you that I was a complete rookie when I bought my Aztec and probably did a lot of things wrong. I've still only been at it for a few months and have a lot to learn but I have made progress. Quite a bit as far as I'm concerned. And I still don't like the Aztec.

I did get mine on sale after the holidays and only paid $50 for the kit. A 430 with three nozzles, couple of bottles and a gravity cup, adapter, hose and a can of propel. I've seen 430s that were only single action but the one I got can be used single or double. I always sprayed thinner through it when I was done, soaked the nozzle and cleaned out the front of the body. Never took the body apart. It has always spit and sputtered, leaked behind the nozzle at times, and never atomized paint well.

Yesterday I bought a Badger 360 Universal and when I brought it home and tried it out, it was like a new day had dawned. I could not believe the difference. All I did was adapt the hose to my compressor, mix some paint, and let it fly. The paint came out in such a fine mist and went on so smoothly I almost fell over.

Last nite I painted the chassis and suspension to a F&F Supra semi-gloss black and it looks great. Tonite I painted a Viper body metallic black and the paint went on slick as can be. I've seen some people say that paint can't be sprayed without orange peel, it's a fact of life. Well, I beg to differ.

With the Aztec, I could not spray metallics or pearls without the paint running from the edges. With the Badger, I didn't even have to think about it. The only thing I can attribute that to is atomization. The Badger achieves a much finer spray than I was ever able to get from the Aztec.

So there's my testimonial. I'm a switcher.

Anybody wanna buy an Aztec?


Fade to Black...

Yeah Mike, I'm SERIOUSLY considering it or something very similar.
I like a permanently attached gravity feed cup and so based on your resounding endorsement of that line, I'm mulling over the Omni 4000 and 5000 as well as a couple others of that ilk.
One thing's for certain-with the help of this forum I'm far better armed than I was when I got that #$%&*@ A470!
One consolation though, it's nice to know that others (if they will take heed) can save themselves some headache and cash by learning from those of us who had to learn it the hard (and expensive] way..........That's what this thing's all about.
God bless those who are Happy Aztekers.
I'll let you know what I end up with.
Thanks again
Merlin

I have an Aztek and it works like a champ!

But Ron, ya gotta admit, it feels cheap and chincy doesn't it?
That trigger action, the crummy little plastic hose coming out the back of it. It almost feels like you're holding an empty squirtgun in your hand. I think Testors is in cahoots with Mattel.

Seriously though, it's good to know that some people are having a positive experience with the Aztek. Maybe I can grow to love mine too............................................Naaaaaaah!

Maybe mine'll go at the garage sale this weekend... Whadd'ya think I can get for it? A buck? Fifty cents?


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I have an Aztek A470 and I have to say I thought it was just me. It just doesn't seem to atomize well at all when I'm using it in double action, no matter how thin the paint is. If I then switch it single action the paint is sometimes so thin that it is mostly thinner. Having never used any other airbrush I just bought one that looked easy to use. Admittedly it is easy to use, but is it any good?? I can't really judge it until I use another, but I dont think I will buy another Aztek. I should buy another and see if I can actually get a decent coat of paint.

Sorry I mean another brand of brush. :)

QUOTE: Originally posted by merlin V1650 Yeah Mike, I'm SERIOUSLY considering it or something very similar. I like a permanently attached gravity feed cup and so based on your resounding endorsement of that line, I'm mulling over the Omni 4000 and 5000 as well as a couple others of that ilk.

Merlin,

That's a tough decision sometimes isn't it?

I think the Omni 5000 would probably be all you need for modelling, plus it's about $2 cheaper than the 4000 .
The 4000 has a 1/3 oz cup which is more paint than you will ever need unless you are painting a 1/48 scale C-130. Haha
The 4000 is nice though with the screw-on cap that goes on the cup to stop spills if you tip the airbrush too far. It is also harder to see exactly where the tip is pointed with that larger cup on top but it isn't really that much of a big deal. Decisions, decisions.

What other brands are you looking at with a gravity feed cup?
Is there a store locally that you can compare them for feel?

Mike

Then again, maybe I'll keep it. I could use it for... CAKE DECORATING!!! I've just found my new profession!


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Hey, I thought I was the only one in the world who owned the 470 and is experiencing the same problems. Some threads are saying to make sure you adjust the top roller all the way to the right then screw in the nozzle, and don't over tighten. Mine seems to work sometimes and then it starts sputtering paint which is enough to throw something thru the wall. I bought mine at Michaels for 50% off about 6 months ago. Since then Ive returned 3 of them for various reasons. I'm kinda sticking with in to see if its just the learning curve and its starting to get old. I'm kinda intimidated with the others cause they look like a clean up nightmare. Not to mention replacing needles, etc. Looking into the Badger 360 maybe. To the happy owners of this 470 gun what is the technique for your success. I really find it hard that Testors would sell a lemon, but there sure is a lot of unhappy people. Thanks for any advice.

I'm not trying to spoil the party or anything but I've got 2 A470's and haven't had any problem at all with either other than one time I didn't have the tip set right. Read your directions and make sure you're not over tightening the tips. That can lead to problems.

Granted it does "feel" kind of cheap when you're holding it but when I'm spraying for a long time I really like the light weight and my grip doesn't give out as easy (I hate it when that happens )

Anyway, I hope this helps a few, I gave up a badger and I'm glad I did.

Eric

Folks, MikeV, is right. My saying I don't want to start a fight was a poor choice of words. I realize this is a good, healthy and helpful forum for discussion. Allow me, please, to withdraw that phrase.
It seems obvious that a lot of the people here have had bad experiences with their Azteks, and I certainly respect their opinions. Jeez, I've learned so much from this board that I owe a big Thank You to everybody who takes the time and trouble to post. I imagine if I'd suffered the frustration with my Aztek that these other folks have, I'd probably share their opinion.
Glenn

geez, Blackwolfscd
You're expecting a buck-fitty for that thing? I've always said "a man's reach should exceed his grasp" (or is it the other way around, I can never remember)

MikeV
Yes, I see what you mean concerning the cup on the 4000 possibly being somewhat of a visual hindrance and with that in mind I'm probably going to opt for the 5000 unless I find a steal of a deal on the other.
Currently BearAir seems to have the best price that I know of(64 bucks plus I think I'll have to buy a hose separate).
Whatever it ends up being, it won't be any too soon I'm afraid as I have too many "un-fun" expenses right now to justify going out and spending money on another airbrush at the moment.
As far as being able to take some out for a test-drive I'm afraid that's pretty much out of the question as I live in a modeler's wasteland (the Great State of Maine) and the only hobbyshop of any substance around here is one of those where if you don''t speak "H.O." or "Cox Engine-ese" they really don't regard you as any sort of living entity, but that's another thread.

glheald
Consider the phrase withdrawn. i don't think anybody got bent out of shape about it anyway. Glad to hear you're having good success with your A470.
Sometimes mine will work real well and I'll think "ok, now that's more like it. We're understanding each other now"' and then in my next session it's frustration city all over again.
But it will always feel like an empty squirtgun to me!

Merlin

I used to have troubles with the aztek but I have no problems now. It seems to atomize just fine after thinning and adjusting pressure. I also like that it's easy to clean. A Q-tip in the end of the brush after the tip is removed is necessary. I like it better than my Pasche VL and I haven't gotten the hang of the Sotar yet. But even with options, the lazy factor gets me using the Aztek the most since I get good results. I am still thinking about an everyday brush that is better and more consistent because the Aztek isn't perfect.

QUOTE: Originally posted by glheald Folks, MikeV, is right. My saying I don't want to start a fight was a poor choice of words. I realize this is a good, healthy and helpful forum for discussion. Allow me, please, to withdraw that phrase.

Amen my friend.
Learning from each other is the whole purpose of this forum and posts like yours are a good example of how to do that.

Mike

QUOTE: Originally posted by merlin V1650 MikeV Yes, I see what you mean concerning the cup on the 4000 possibly being somewhat of a visual hindrance and with that in mind I'm probably going to opt for the 5000 unless I find a steal of a deal on the other. Currently BearAir seems to have the best price that I know of(64 bucks plus I think I'll have to buy a hose separate).

Merlin,

Dixie Art has it for $67.50 which is only $3.50 more but the catch is that Dixie has free shipping on orders over $45 so it will be cheaper from Dixie Art. Bear Air is a good place too with good service but they will charge you $10 shipping if I am not mistaken.

Something to think about while you are saving up for it.

Mike

Aaah, excellent catch, Mike
And to think-that's going to be more than $20 less than I paid for the Aztek!
Thanks!

Merlin

THAT'S IT! I can use it as an anti-cat weapon! Fill it with water and spray my little Furry Feline F.... riends the next time they do something stupid!


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QUOTE: Originally posted by blackwolfscd THAT'S IT! I can use it as an anti-cat weapon! Fill it with water and spray my little Furry Feline F.... riends the next time they do something stupid!

This is a better "anti-cat weapon" and it is on-topic because it is air powered.



Mike

Oh, no-no-no-no-no-no... I don't wanna have to get on my soap box again!


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